Subscribers of the Glo network can heave a sigh of relief, as the planned phased disconnection of the mobile network provider’s services due to a long standing interconnection debt dispute with MTN which was scheduled to take effect today has been put in abeyance for another 21 days, effective Wednesday, following the progress so far achieved by both parties in resolving their issues.
This is according to the sector regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as contained in it’s press release dated January 17, 2024.
The regulator had announced plans to embark on the phased disconnection with effect from today but for the new turn of events.
“On January 8, 2024 the Nigerian Communications Commission published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties,” the statement said.
” In granting the approval, the Commission was deeply conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers and therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which prioritizes and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
” The Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days from today, 17 January, 2024.
“Whilst the Commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, the Commission insists that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.
The Commission further stressed that,”It is OBLIGATORY that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry keep to the terms and conditions of their licenses, especially as contained in their interconnection agreement.”